The 100-meter dash is often a highly-anticipated race because the finish is almost guaranteed to be close. Whoever wins the 100-meter dash in the Olympics is titled the fastest human alive. The amount of energy that it takes to run for this short amount of time is amazing. This race requires concentration and preparation. Certain tips will help you be a much better sprinter in the 100-meter dash.

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The Start

The start of the race is where you get into sprinter's position and await the gun. The correct position is with your feet properly positioned in the foot braces, hands shoulder-width apart on the line, leaning forward and focusing on the sound of the gun. The instant the gun is sounded, every racer explodes out of the blocks. There is one primary aspect for training on the starting position: reaction time. A strategy for improving reaction time is by stimulating competitive conditions. Practice exploding out the blocks time and time again. Get used to awaiting the gun sound. Get other coaches or teammates to help you with this. Each time you get into position, focus on the actual race.

Point of Max

Around the 40-meter mark, sprinters typically reach their maximum speed. This is where all your energy is being used to pump your arms and quickly get your feet back to the ground in an intense stride. Muscle memory is a key strategy component that will help with your race. During the time you are training for the 100-meter dash, hit the weights, then run. While building muscle and tearing tissue, you are focusing on your fast twitch muscle fibers. These fibers are used for quick races. Conditioned sprinters will typically keep their maximum speed for about 30 to 40 meters.

Maintaining Your Speed

The last 30 meters is what separates the winners from the pretenders. This is where all sprinters start slowing down and the race gets interesting. The sprinter who can maintain the most speed for the final 30 meters will more than likely be declared the winner. This is strictly conditioning of the body. How long can you keep your speed up as high as it will go? During training, concentrate on maximal running throughout the entire race. Practice this over and over. Practice makes perfect. This involves muscle memory along with conditioning. You must condition your body to be placed under heavy stress for a few more seconds.